Seamus Coleman: Leading By Example

Seamus Coleman is in the midst of potentially his most impressive season at Everton and is likewise putting himself into contention as a must-have fantasy option.

Position: Defender

Fantasy Price: £7.4m (PlayON), £5.6m (FPL)

Starts: 19

Goals: 4

Assists: 2

Everton’s long serving full-back has been a highly respected player for a number of seasons, widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s best at his position. Last season however the Irishman looked a shadow of his former self. The Sligo native seemed to be affected by the negativity surrounding the side as Roberto Martinez’ reign drew to an ugly conculsion. The attacking verve that has long been his trademark was gone, replaced with an uncertain and overly cautious approach.

Resurgance Under Ronald Koeman

Under the guidance of Ronald Koeman however, Coleman has thrived. The right back has been one of the clear beneficiaries of the Dutchman’s hands-on coaching and a key component behind their recent surge in form. Koeman’s direction and Coleman’s new status as captain of his national team has seen the 28 year old emerge as a real leadership figure.

“Seamus can be a leader and in many ways, his personality is just what you need in a captain” – Ronald Koeman

The Toffees are on a five match unbeaten streak in the league, including drubbings of the likes of Manchester City and Southampton. The run has been built on a combination of free flowing attacking football and renewed discipline across the backline. This mix of tight defence and goal potential makes Coleman as a serious contender in fantasy football terms.

Defensive Solidity

Over the past six league fixtures, Coleman and Everton boast four clean sheets, a statistic shared only by Chelsea. Furthermore over his past four matches, the Everton right-back has amassed more touches in the opposition penalty area than any other defender (15). He also ranks behind only Antonio Valencia in final third touches, with 115 in his past four games.

Return To Attacking Form

In 27 appearances last season, Coleman registered just one league goal and three assists. Half way through the season and the Irishman has already outdone himself on the goals-front with four in total. The talismanic right-back is on course to match or better his personal record (6 in 2013/14) in 2016/17.

Fixtures

Everton’s immediate league schedule is perhaps on the kindest among top half sides. They go against Stoke (A), Bournemouth (H), Middlesbrough (A), Sunderland (H) in their next four. All are games Everton should win and more importantly, these clashes stand out as ones in which the Coleman could deliver maximum fantasy value from both a defensive and attacking stand-point.